More Money March Challenge: It’s Money Making Week (yay!)

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Are you joining us for our More Money in March Challenge? This might just be my favorite week (although I've thought that every single week!) 

This week we're talking about ways to make more money ~ while I love saving money, figuring extra ways to make money in our regular budget is something that's so important to think on too!

(To join in the fun, turn to page 4 in your More Money Challenge Worksheets, and make sure you've checked everything off the list. On March 25th, you'll see today's challenge!)

Today I have a really fun challenge for you that I think you might just love if you actually take it on. Now, it's one of those things that might make you a wee bit uncomfortable (you have to pick up your phone and talk to real, live, humans. YIKES.)

But, the payout could be huge.

We're talking, this challenge will take you less than an hour, but might just earn you $400 this year.

Are you with me? 

I'm challenging you to call your cell phone, landline phone, internet provider or cable provider (bonus points if you contact all of them . . .) and ask them if you're really getting the best price.

I tried this myself and with a 20 minute phone call saved $485. WOOHOOO!

Here are a few tips to get you started: 

1. Call your current provider and ask for a lower rate.

This is by far the easiest way to change your internet fees, and all it takes is a little patience in dealing with your internet company on the phone.

In twenty minutes I called my company and cut my bill by $15 a month, added in a landline which we didn't have before, and they gave me a $300 Visa Gift Card to stay with the company. Here's the math on my savings:

• $15.46 x 12 months = $185.52
• $300 Visa gift card
• Total saved = $485.52 in a 20 minute phone call ~ not a bad hourly rate!

When talking to your service provider be sure to ask these questions BEFORE making any changes:

• What will my total be AFTER TAXES AND FEES?
• Will I need to re-start a contract?
• Will there be any initial “start up” fees for changing my plan?
• How long is this price guaranteed for?
• Will I lose any of my current services?

2. Contact your internet provider via Twitter or Facebook.

If you didn't have any luck lowering your bill when calling your internet provider, try tweeting them on Twitter or leaving a message on their Facebook page. Let them know that you received a better offer from a competitor, and ask them to find you a better price or you'll cancel. Odds are you'll hear back from them fairly quickly – and it never hurts to ask!

3. Know what you're getting compared to a new customer.

I checked on our internet service, and our provider (Time Warner Cable) was charging us $183 per month after taxes for internet service and cable. We do pay extra for faster internet because I run a home based business, but they were offering new members the price of $89 per month (before taxes and fees – which of course are some pretty significant taxes and fees and can easily add a whopping $50 per month!) By knowing what their “best” price was compared to my current bill, I was able to negotiate a better price.

Note: I'm not a huge fan of Time Warner Cable, however they're the only service providers in our area so they're our only option. We've been most pleased with pricing and service that we've had from AT&T Uverse, so if you're looking to switch to a great plan I'd recommend them!

4. Cancel extra services you don't really need.

Do you really need premium internet speed for just managing emails and checking out updates on your Facebook page? Probably not. Make sure you don't overpay for faster internet service if it's not really necessary for you when you use it daily.

Also, give up extra services like an included DVR if you don't use it, and consider purchasing your own modem rather than renting one from your internet company. You can purchase your own modem saving  you an additional $8-$10 per month, and probably get a better product.

5. Take advantage of places that offer free wifi.

If you really want to drastically cut your internet bill, skip paying for home internet completely and take advantage of free wifi at your local library or even Starbucks. While it's not the most convenient option, if you really need to pinch those pennies for the long term things you really want (instead of what you want right now), this sacrifice might just be worth it!

Are you ready to try it out?

Have you found other ways to save on your cell phone, internet or cable bill?  Leave a comment to share, and let me know if any of these tips have worked for you! And, if you call today and see some success, let me know how you do ~ I'm cheering for you!